Thursday, April 4th

Weekend What’s What: 4/4-4/7

by staff

If this weekend is about anything, it’s sonic innovation. From the longstanding pioneers, like Toots & the Maytals and John Zorn, to the new wave — Jamie Lidell, Iceage, IO Echo — to the ultra-new experimentalists like locals Vukalana and Haxxxors, this weekend encourages you to get out of your aural comfort zone and head to new horizons. There’s also some boundary-pushing art with Tom Hazelmyer’s new art exhibition Visceral Dysentery, the return of the ever-popular ARTCRANK, and the first Twin Cities show from ’90s icons Garbage in years.

xo, l’étoile

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Namaste Cafe Presents: Noah Harmon & Jeff Klingel

@ Namaste Cafe
2512 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

10 pm-midnight / Free

Art shows have been popping up everywhere lately, including Uptown’s Namaste Cafe. This month’s show features two young up-and-comers, Noah Harmon and Jeff Klingel. Known for his penchant for colorful palettes and uni-browed, slightly obese — albeit endearing — everyday Joes, Harmon works primarily with cheeky illustration and graphic design. Also showing is MCAD grad Klingel, who dabbles in everything from etching and watercolor to pen and ink with a hyper-realistic style. -Staff

Enjoy the seasons hottest looks while helping a good cause with the fifth annual Flight of Fashion. Self-proclaimed as the “most meaningful fashion show in the Twin Cities,” the Flight of Fashion event is the signature fundraiser for United Way’s Women Investing in the Next Generation (WINGs) organization. Produced by Minneapolis-based stylist Grant Whittaker of Ballet of the Dolls fame, the show features the newest looks from Grethen House, June, Fashion Avenue, Emma Berg and more. Inspiration for the show comes from the top five fashion weeks in the world. Money raised from the event goes to helping women in learning the art of industrialized sewing. Enter to win an iPad or a once in a lifetime shopping experience with Grant Whittaker himself with proceeds going toward the organization. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up a “Take Flight” signature shade lipstick by local line the Elixery to benefit the program. -Alexandra Katz

Usually Instagram is seen as a filter-heavy venue for hipsters to post semi-artistic photos of their meal or beat-up Chucks, but occasionally a true creative soul can take it beyond the mundane and onto a new level. Artist Buckner Sutter, presented Thursday by VidTiger Studio and Gallery on Solar Arts’ 2nd floor, uses just his iPhone to take Instagram photos to a completely different world inspired by his dreams. “I have always thought that our experiences and lives are so very foreign to one another, but our dream worlds are very familiar,” said Sutter. The surreal imagery, often relying on fragmented yet still recognizable Minnesota landscapes, has drawn over 10,000 followers of Sutter’s Instagram account @Intao. Sutter is one of the three artists to be featured in Solar Arts’ open studio event “Mixing Time,” which also includes DJs Disco Devils and freestyle/spoken-word artist Deeq Abdi, known as No Mad. Come for the art, but don’t miss out on the live soundscapes by Chris Strouth’s experimental project Paris1919. –Alicia Neubauer

What have our parents, the “Ungreatest Generation,” wrought? Born into aesthetic and cultural privilege as son of novelist Jonathan Baumbach and critic Georgia Brown, Noah Baumbach is one of the focal voices of a confused generation and stunted leisure seekers, uncomfortable with the responsibilities of an adulthood that was never trustworthy or reliable to them. Baumbach brilliantly dramatized his experiences of growing up in a stormy Brooklyn household of good books and culture with The Squid and the Whale, with Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney playing dad and mom, and Jesse Eisenberg as Baumbach’s increasingly alienated alter-ego. In Baumbach’s films we see the same familial decay that is more benignly and bittersweetly portrayed by his friend Wes Anderson (whom Baumbach collaborated with on the screenplays for Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Life Aquatic), but there’s an unsavory nakedness to Baumbach that makes him less approachable; take his 2010 film Greenberg with Ben Stiller, sold as a quirky man-child love story, but audiences were unprepared for just how intensely maladjusted Greenberg hopelessly was. The Walker presents Noah Baumbach: Visibly Human, a retrospective on the young director, featuring The Squid and the Whale, Greenberg, and launching this weekend with Kicking and Screaming, about college grads who can’t adjust to growing up, Margot at the Wedding, with Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason Leigh as rival siblings, and the Twin Cities premiere of the critically-acclaimed Frances Ha, starring Greta Gerwig. The program wraps up April 5, as critic Scott Foundas hosts a Regis Dialogue with Baumbach in person. -Niles Schwartz

After the string of lousy weather we’ve had these past few weeks, we all need something to remind us that (technically, at least) it is spring! Thankfully Macy’s and Bachman’s has the just the thing with the opening of their annual flower show. Taking over the eighth Floor of the downtown Macy’s, the floral artisans of Bachman’s combine a wild and disparate group of flora and fauna into a botanical wonderland perfect for escaping the dreariness of this time of year. For this year’s exhibition, the theme is “The Painted Garden,” a celebration of the architecture, colors and lavish formal gardens of India and Central Asia, with the centerpiece being a 10-foot tall Indian painted elephant made entirely of plants and flowers. -Todd O’Dowd

Cult shoe brand Fluevog is hosting the grand opening of its first Minnesota store this weekend. The brand, which has stores across the US and Canada, and fans all over the world, actually has ties to the Twin Cities. Founder John Fluevog’s grandparents called Minnesota home in the early 1900s. Now, the place where the couple romanced – the newly-renovated Uptown Theater – will play host to the shop in its new retail space, which will include a male and female shoe style that will be exclusive to the Twin Cities. Besides the unisex shoe, check out the new 7th Heaven Angel Soles boots in Derby Swirl with amazing color combinations like acid wash green, acid wash black and red. They even are debuting accessories like leather messenger bags and backpacks. Meet the designer himself and enjoy refreshments and gift card giveaways during the event. -Alexandra Katz

It takes a pair of brass buttons to put a label on the essence of our fair city, so you can only imagine the pair on consummate rocker and 4onthefloor frontman Gabriel Douglas, whose sophomore album, Spirit of Minneapolis, premieres Thursday at the Turf Club. Admission to the event also includes an early digital release of the album, 4onthefloor Fulton beer release, tickets to Saturday’s show and a meet-and-greet with the band. In case you wander onto the band’s SoundCloud page for a preview before the show, understand that you must be in their presence for the full freight train effect of Douglas’ voice and Mark Larson’s drums, though the experience is no less raucous. So, to hear them tell it, what is the spirit of Minneapolis? Well, it’s stomping and it’s pulsing in 4/4 time. It is as musically Americana as a Red Wing boot, which every member of the band is likely wearing. But more than that: it’s authentic, driven and damn gritty — a label we’re actually pretty good with. -Kate Smith

Imagine looking up from work one day and realizing you’ve been doing the same thing for thirty years. Sticking with something that long is something that could earn you a gold watch or a nice clock. Scott Ian and Danny Lilker have accomplished that fete except they’ve been shredding sound systems and blasting eardrums as Anthrax for the last three decades. They helped to revolutionize the thrash metal scene along with bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Slayer however, they’ve always seemed more grounded to me. They never appeared fall into the trap of playing a characature of what a metal band should be, allowing to expand and explore different subgenres of metal while retaining their signature stomp and crunch. If you’re the type of person whose heart starts racing by hearing the sound of the palm muted crunch of a guitar Thursday night’s Metal Alliance tour is going to damn near give you a heart attack. Anthrax headlines a lineup that includes Exodus, High on Fire (who will absolutely destroy the main room and put out enough through their dropped seven stringed guitars that your make your clothing shake, Municipal Waste, and Holy Grail. Thursday night is going to harken back to the 90’s when bands thrashed, circle pits swarmed, and fire spewed from the PA, it’s going to be heavy and it’s going to be awesome. -Peter Black

Minneapolis record label Modern Radio will be kicking off their second year of residency at the Kitty Cat Klub on Thursday night with a locally-packed lineup. Performers will include the musical stylings of Lydia Hoglund, the seriously talented front woman for youngster Twin Cities group Bomba De Luz, as well as up and coming local hip-hop artist Dem Atlas. Keeping with the local theme, DJing early in the evening will be The Current’s own Andrea Swensson as well as Twin Cities electronic music duo Wiping Out Thousands. While Hoglund’s performance should be reason enough to attend, the rest of the night will be no throw away, so go early for dancing and drinks and stay for a hip hop show and a Twin Cities wunderkind. And did we mention it’s free? Well, It’s free. -Maggie LaMaack

Throughout their various lineup changes and sound incarnations, Sound Gallery ringleader Jacob Grun’s chamber-pop ensemble Me And My Arrow have remained a steady presence on the Twin Cities music scene. They’re headlining a show at party space/recording studio Sound Gallery this weekend in support of Winnipeg touring band Boats. With their indie-pop jangle, grandiose choruses and lo-fi sound, the Kill Rock Stars-repped Boats is a perfect pairing for M&MA. Rounding out the lineup are the Brit-pop-inflected Idle Hands — another band that’s been on the local scene for as long as we can remember — as well as I Hate Sports and Sherbetty. -Jahna Peloquin

When Britt Daniel (he of Spoon) and Dan Boeckner (he of Wolf Parade) decided to make a group together combining their respective sounds, who knew that it would captivate the musical world? Well it’s no surprise as a href=http://divinefits>Divine Fitsis currently enchanting every music head in the land thanks to their strong debut album A Thing Called Divine Fits and their fiery live shows. And while their show at The Varsity on Thursday is sold out, there is one exciting upside. Britt Daniel himself will be DJ-ing the official post-show afterparty at Loring Pasta Bar that night (with the Current’s Mary Lucia opening for him). If Daniel is half the DJ as he is songwriter, this should be a rocking late night party. -Todd O’Dowd

Fuck embarrassment, tonight “guilty pleasure” is king. His queen: indecent head banging. Rock ‘n’ roll yer way down to Jager this evening as Danielle Morris and Sara Jean Hanson of Lady Heat deliver another monthly installment of tunes in the vein of hard rock, hair metal and vintage head-thrashing butt rock for your throwback enjoyment. The night features drink specials and cheap beer (including $3.50 local drafts and $2.50 Coors Lite), just like the rock gods would want, plus familiar faves spun on vinyl with classics from the heavy (Iron Maiden, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest) the hairy (Van Halen, Cinderella, Poison, Telsa), the rebellious, and so much more. This month’s special edition is all about the ladies — we’re talking Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Lita Ford and more. Here we are, Lady Heat, rock us like a hurricane. -Juleana Enright

If you’re like nearly everyone in the Midwest, the nation, and likely a lot of the world, you love beer. Sweet, delicious beer. If you’re also into beautiful art, you’re going to collapse in ecstasy (actually, please don’t) when you hear about Brewers Craft at Altered Esthetics this Friday. Brace yourself: the event celebrates beer culture through works of art at Altered Esthetics, a non-profit gallery just two blocks away from Indeed’s taproom. Still conscious? Good. Works from over 20 artists will be displayed at both Ae and Indeed, so feel free to “research” the art a bit further at the taproom, which is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 11 pm and Saturdays from noon to 11 pm. If you’re made it this far, you art-loving drunkard, you better make sure you swing by Altered Esthetics and Indeed this month to check out some great art and, of course, delicious beer. -Alicia Neubauer

First Fridays in Lowertown Art District featuring a special performance by Venus DeMars

@ Northwestern Building
275 E 4th ST
St. Paul

8 pm doors, 9:30 pm show / 21+ / $2

First Fridays open studio night in St. Paul’s Lowertown Arts District will feature a special performance this month. Following the event’s normal open studio crawl, James Jayce Hulbert of Collideiscope Studios will be hosting performance artist and Twin Cities glam rocker Venus DeMars of Venus DeMars & All The Pretty Horses. Taking place in The Room, located in the basement of the Northwestern Building,Venus DeMars will rock out alongside a group of dancers, the likes of which will styled by local artists who collaborated on costumes, make up and hair (this is an artsy event, after all). James Jayce Hulber, the featured artist for the First Friday event, will have his works on display before and after the concert, putting the final touch on what is sure to be a memorable night for everyone in attendance. -Maggie LaMaack

Before there was Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers there was…La Dolce Vita. No, the comparison isn’t perfect, but the excesses of Korine’s hyperreal body-rock experiment of provocation kind of recall Fellini’s masterpiece and fulcrum moment, when he steered away from his neorealist roots towards psychological dream spectacles of fabulous indulgences. Both Korine and Fellini are in love with the spectacle of sin, just as they — arguably — long for a sense of moral focus. “La Dolce Vita” is a kind of veiled Roman/Biblical epic in modern clothes, sweeping through the decline of the post-Christian empire, beginning with a statue of Christ floating over the city on the helicopter rig, and winding down with a shocking act that flies in the face of “the good life,” maybe even surrendering all morality to the deadly sins. God is dead, and has been dead for a long time — but is humanism now also? Marcello Mastroianni plays the gossip columnist who nowadays is like the mythological progenitor of TMZ and tabloid madness, following movie stars through their garish night lives; he’s a kind of inverse, decadent Gospel author where the saints are sinners, and he just wants a piece of their action, but, conscientious as he is, remains at length from their abandon, in addition to his own inability to find a moral center. For all the revelry and euphoria, Fellini’s film generates solemnity, something magnificently captured in Mastroianni’s face, always observing and fascinated, but never free of conscience. Another Christ emblem is found at the conclusion, a fish out of the sea: something real, but without bombast, cameras, and fanfare. The camera looks for truth, and at the end of the journey, that’s it. La Dolce Vita begins the Trylon’s month-long weekend Fellini series, with the youthful breakthrough I, Vitelloni April 12 through 14, 1974’s memory parade Amarcord April 19 through 21, and the canonical artist’s confession of 8 1/2 April 26 through 28. -Niles Schwartz, The Niles Files

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Garbage w/ IO Echo + DJ Jake Rudh

@ Mill City Nights
111 5th St
Minneapolis

8 pm doors, 9 pm show / 18+ / $42 advance, $45 door

There was a time on MTV where when music seemed pretty bleak (Not that MTV doesn’t seem the bleakest right now). Hours of afternoon music video programming would be the same Sugar Ray, Jewel, Lit and Natalie Imbruglia videos over and over. Sure some of those songs are fun to look back on with a bit of nostalgia (you’re guaranteed to hear “Torn” at least once if you hang out long enough at a karaoke bar), however one of the bands that never seemed to fit was the Shirley Manson-fronted Garbage. Sure, the Butch Vig-produced band borrowed elements trip-hop, combining them with the agro-nu-metal that was popular at the time, that paired with Manson’s ability to navigate the tightrope between tender singing and out-right rocking, gave the music an inviting and sultry quality that seems just as listenable today as it did 18 years ago. Garbage plays Mill City Nights on Saturday but this is a show that you need to make sure you get there early to catch the opener, IO Echo. Having just released their fantastic debut album, Ministry of Love on Tuesday they’re another band that blends different styles and influences, mixing influences, taking elements from Asian music while mixing them with traditional pop structures. They build a palate of fuzzy and pulsing guitars creating a shoegaze-y haze, layers of ’90s electronic music, and while the ethereal voice of Ionna Gika floats from melody to melody and hook to hook. Ministry of Love is easily one of the standout albums from the first quarter of 2013, beyond that they’ve cut their teeth opening bands like Nine Inch Nails and No Doubt, clearly they have what it takes to captivate an audience before the headliner. Make sure to make it out early on Saturday to catch a band that appears to be on the verge of taking over the stage for themselves one day soon. –Peter Black

Wovenhand is David Eugene Edwards, former member of alt-country band 16 Horsepower, known for their sort of ominous apocalyptic bent (imagine No Country For Old Men as music — dark, overhanging clouds, oppressive western weirdness, etc.). Wovenhand is a far more rock venture but no less ominous — the storm’s still a-coming, and a heavy guitar attack and roughly barked vocals lead the way. Their latest, The Laughing Stalk, continues the gothic Cormac McCarthy themes — lots of ruralia mixed with driving, tuned-down guitars, creating an aggressive attack that still has a relationship with country — a tumultuous, rough relationship characterized by lots of beating, but a relationship nonetheless. Opener Wreckmeister Harmonies isn’t a “musician” per se — he uses found sounds to create “ambient tonefields” — how this is gonna get pulled off live we have no idea, but it’s gotta be interesting. -Jon Hunt

Personally, if we were born with the last name Lidderdale, we would probably stick with it. Mostly because it sounds like it could belong to a family from Game of Thrones. But for “sonic innovator” Jamie Lidell, Lidderdale was not his surname of choice. Perhaps the removal of those two syllables from his name is indicative of Lidell’s decision to shed his United Kingdom attachments. As a musician Lidell is sonically located in traditions of American music-making: from Motown to Minneapolis Sound this Brit must have aced the final in the History of American Music 101. He even went so far as to relocate himself to the heart of American music making: Nashville, Tennessee. And with collaborators that have defined generations of American music making: from Beck to the rock band Grizzly Bear, Lidell keeps good company in the U.S of A. His taste in friends is reflected in his sound, especially his 2008 release, Jim. This album is another instance when Lidell makes subtle shifts in his moniker that reflect his nuanced takes on commonly referenced genres. On Friday this Brit will grace the stage at Fine Line along with the uber cool Brooklyn-based producer/singer Empress Of and Lidell collaborator and USSR baby Ludwig Persik. -Lizzy Shramko

By now, we all should know that Minneapolis produces, and attracts, some of the most innovative, unique, and downright enjoyable music in the nation. Minneapolis booking collective Gravel Road Touring is putting together a night of nothing less than spectacular Friday night at The Cedar by bringing Chastity Brown, Actual Wolf, and Barbara Jean together. Gravel Road was birthed by Minneapolis’ the Pines in 2007 as an in-house booking agency, and has since grown into a touring agency that puts together showcases nationwide. The gospel-meets banjo stylings of Chastity Brown and her full band join folksy acoustic Actual Wolf (former drummer of Retribution Gospel Choir and keyboardist for Low) and Grand Marais’ country songstress Barbara Jean. Expect gospel, rock, country, folk, roots, and indie to come together throughout the showcase, undoubtedly producing an aural experience any Minnesotan could be proud to call our own. -Alicia Neubauer

Ready to have your face melted off from arpeggiated synth? Then this is the show for you. Haxxxors is band that is not afraid execute an arpeggio, a technique embraced by the Italo Disco gods. The Italian connection makes a lot of sense considering the word arpeggiate comes from the Italian word for broken chord. For those of you that don’t know what an arpeggiator does musically, here is your music theory lesson of the day: it’s basically a tool for breaking up notes in a programmable sequence instead of playing a chord with all the notes at once, ala pop music. And while some might feel trapped in a video game soundtrack when listening to Haxxxors brand of synth punk, others will break out their inner Italo disco diva. The awesomely titled Minneapolis-based duo Homebirth will be accompanying these arp enthusiasts on Friday, and Old Growth Cola, who have traveled all the way from the other side of the world — literally, Australia — will also make an appearance. So come one, come all, and experience some of synth punk’s finest. -Lizzy Shramko

Natural Child

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Natural Child w/ Teenage Moods + Hot Rash

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

10 pm / 21+ / Free

Its a night of fun throwback rock and roll Friday night at the Hexagon. Headlining are Natural Child coming straight from the heart of the Midwest, Nashville, Tennessee. They play a twangy, country-infused psych rock with a southern flavor that takes a page from the Rolling Stones’ Exile in Nashville — suffice to say, they’re definitely worth checking out. Opening are all-girl punk trio Hot Rash and poppy psychedelic rockers, Teenage Moods. -Danielle Morris

Friday night at Cause is a rock show with benefits — the third annual Mikey Max birthday show in which all the proceeds are donated to local charities. This year the philanthropist turns 30 and hopes to raise $3,000. There is a great line up bands for the event, including doom rockers the Desert Vest, indie-pop cuties Fort Wilson Riot, hard-working indie rapper Sean Anonymous, electro band-to-watch Enemy Planes and hard rockers Hot Ashes.

Hipsters have earned somewhat of a reputation. But one thing that can be said for this group of gentrifying, ironic 20-somethings: they know how to have fun. And if these fun-loving folks had a home in Minnesota, it might just be the Record Room on the first Friday of every month. The local DJ crew Get Cryphy has built up a scene among young party-goers over the past half-decade. Their monthly shows always promise a room filled to the brim with sweaty American Apparel-clad bodies, provocative (sometimes ironic) dance moves, non-prescription glasses and hip hop-loving white people. This Friday, resident DJs Jimmy 2 Times, Last Word & Fundo are teaming up with local skate fiends Fifth Element, Familia Skateshop and Phenom to put on the latest installment of their monthly bash. This promises to be a no-risk night of dancing: even the most anti-hipster among us are bound to be pulled into the American Apparel-wearing masses for a night of sweaty abandon. -Lizzy Shramko

HOTEL is a party that doesn’t quit. The longtime dance night from DJ Jonathan Ackerman will throw down Top 40 jams, down ‘n’ dirty rap jams, and classic hip hop. Did we mention it’s free?! So, spend your money on the things that really count — i.e., dranks — grab your ladies and your flashy gents and get ready to bust a move. This month’s special guest DJ/producer Asher Diamonds, who hails from Milwaukee and is known for his forward-thinking brand of house and techno dance music. (Check him out on Soundcloud HERE.) -Staff

The crate-digging Disco Devils haul out all their best 12″ vinyl every month to bring you Private Stock, a night of club hits and misses from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, from classic funk, R&B, hip hop, lounge and bedroom grooves. Catch all the chart toppers, one-hit wonders, underground classics and other musical gems culled from deep in the Disco Devils’ vaults. Best of all, it’s all on vinyl, the way music should be heard. Get there early for drink specials including $2.50 Tiger Beer and $5 Jameson drinks until midnight. This month’s special guest: Wants Vs. Needs’ own DJ Espada. -Staff

Not long after the announcement of the return of Voltage: Fashion Amplified this June, Voltage and MNfashion founder/Ruby3 designer Anna Lee is in the news. She’ll be gracing the HUGE Improv Theater with her presence this weekend as part of its monthly variety show Craft Project, which celebrates “the arts of making stuff and make ’em ups.” While Lee has moved on from producing and directing fashion shows, she’ll be on hand to talk about her beginning days of Voltage, her hat line Ruby3, the first fashion show she ever produced in Fargo, N.D. — and what she’s been up to since hanging up her Voltage hat in 2011. Her stories will, in turn, serve as inspiration for HUGE’s improv actors. The designer requests that anyone who has a Ruby3 creation to wear it to the event. A must-go for any local fashion fan. -Jahna Peloquin

Texture, geometry and abstract imagery dominate Reconstructed Space, an exhibition of new work from artists Jonas Criscoe and John Diebel opening this weekend at Rosalux Gallery. Graffiti-laced assemblages from Mr. Diebel, created using intricately cut paper collage, examine built environments and the spaces they renegotiate through their interactions with nature and history. Alternately, artist Jonas Criscoe uses various found materials and images collected during way-finding walks and drives to examine the way environments and landscapes are altered by our society, along with nature’s ability to reclaim the spaces and the things that we abandon. There’s an implicit critique of culture and politics in the work of both artists. Diebel’s work imagines alternate histories where the idealism early 20th Century art movements such as Constructuvism, and De Stijl have been fully implemented while Criscoe’s pieces use the idioms of graffiti to reclaim lost or abandoned spaces with the voice of the individual. Collectively the exhibit questions what’s become of the revolutionary zeal and the fervent desire to forge a new version of humanity over the course of the past few decades while showcasing the visually arresting work of two talented and thoughtful artists. -Anthony Enright

Check out the work of talented Twin Cities artists that will be on display and up for sale at this event benefiting public arts programs in the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood. Featuring live tunes from The Ericksons and Henry Rodman along with a raffle of some awesome items donated by Minneapolis businesses. Free grub and not so free drinks will be available from local restaurants. Hurry and make sure to purchase your tickets today to get a free drink and raffle ticket! -Chelsea Streich

Our favorite name-dropping comedian is back in Minneapolis, and thank goodness, because it’s been nearly a year since we heard our last second-person Kanye West anecdote. That’s right, hold on to your Rent-A-Swag, because Aziz Ansari is in the building. The State Theatre, to be exact, which we prefer over Treasure Island Resort & Casino, though we would have gladly trekked out to it again, as we did in 2011 when Aziz sold out his show there. Admittedly feeling inspired by Louis C.K. on his third major U.S. tour, we can’t say what Aziz will talk about this time around (for the record, picking up women and his adoration of Parks and Rec co-star Rob Lowe have been covered) but we’re crossing our fingers it includes an update on his cousin Harris. -Kate Smith

Join our favorite punk poet, Paul D. Dickinson, for his semi-annual book sale! The literary eccentric will be shilling his carefully crafted collection of oddball art books and unusual finds, along with LPs, CDs, the “People’s Format” VHS tapes and punk rock fashion accessories for those looking to sharpen up their autumn wardrobe. -Staff

5-11 pm party / FREE
On view: Thursday, April 11-Sunday, May 4 at One on One Bicycle Studio in Minneapolis during business hours

It’s the first weekend in April and one of the true signs of spring in Minneapolis makes it’s long awaited return! Since its launch here in 2007, ARTCRANK has combined its love of art and bike culture into an internationally-renowned sensation with 15 shows throughout the year in various bike meccas around the world (adding Chicago, Austin, Manchester, and Paris to the roster this year) featuring local artists creating limited edition prints of bike-inspired art. But home, as they say, is where the heart is, and this year’s Minneapolis show promises to be the largest show ARTCRANK will produce all year. With a record number of artists and printmakers (including such luminaries as Adam Turman, Aesthetic Apparatus, Amy Jo, Big Table Studios, David Paul Seymour, Studio on Fire, and more among the 45 selected this year) selling limited edition prints at $40 a pop, this is a local art goldmine. In addition, there’s the beer (with proceeds benefitting Springboard for The Arts’s ongoing medical initiative for un- and under-insured Twin Cities artists and their families), an army of food trucks, and bike valet parking all at one of THE events of the spring. -Todd O’Dowd

John Zorn, 1989 / Image by Peter Williams/CORBIS

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

John Zorn @ 60

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

3 pm-post-midnight / All ages / $20 per program

If there was a prize for “most prolific artist ever,” John Zorn would be a serious contender. Even his most dedicated fans couldn’t possibly own every album — he’s got, seriously, more than a hundred, and every year he unleashes another half-dozen (at least). It’s also virtually impossible to place a genre upon Zorn — is he jazz? Sometimes, sure. Is he hardcore? Uh huh, once in a while. Is he experimental? Klezmer? Ambient? Religious? Sure. Why not? He’s all of the above, and other stuff I can’t even think of. Example: his recent Gnostic Preludes, recorded with Carol Emanuel, Bill Frissell and Kenny Wollesen, is almost unbearably pretty — twinkling, gentle, gorgeous. Meanwhile, Astronome, his 2006 album with Mike Patton, sounds like this — EEEEEEEEEEEEEARODFUDKJFIOSRFGOIUSHRKJHGKJHG. We kid you not. Tonight’s program will be nicely schizo, as befitting the man’s 60th birthday. The day kicks off with a 3 pm conversation with Zorn in the Walker Cinema. At 4 pm, “Program I: Game Pieces” features “The Book of Heads” (Marc Ribot Solo), “Hockey” and “Cobra.” At 7 pm, he performs “Program II: Masada,” featuring Erik Friedlander solo, followed by the Masada String Trio and Bar Kokhba. And at 10 pm, he performs “Program III: New Projects,” featuring the Nova Express and The Concealed. The whole thing is followed by a free organ concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal across the street at midnight. -Jon Hunt

Toots Hibbert has been kicking out righteous ska and reggae since just about the very beginning — his first sides from the ’60s are about as rough and ready as you can get and almost sound like freakin’ field recordings. Hell, he was one of the first guys to use the WORD “reggae” in his hit “Do The Reggay.” He’s perhaps best known for the super-famous “Pressure Drop,” which is about as important a reggae song as you can get, and the super-cool “Funky Kingston” (which is what it promises, a damn funky little number with a hell of a lot more syncopation than yer usual reggae stuff, which, to be honest, can get a little samey-samey). And Toots is still kicking it out the way he used to, touring a super-tight version of the Maytals pretty damn regularly. Light up a blunt and head down. -Jon Hunt

Take in the dark, literally underground atmosphere of downtown’s Hell’s Kitchen (not affiiliated with Gordon Ramsay, thankfully) Saturday night while feasting your ears and eyes on some of the finest music and performance our city can offer. Still Pacific’s Feelies-influenced brand of slightly twee indie is delightfully chirpy, and easily loved. Their forthcoming EP, Cage Heart Hammer, sounds terrific – boy-girl vocals trade off, Ritter’s high-on-the-neck new wave-inspired baselines propel the stuff along, and there are more hooks than you can shake a Wedding Present album at. The lineup is rounded out by electronic trio Geodesique and Northeast’s own indie-pop outfit Hot Freaks. Also taking the stage are local burlesque extraordinaire Sweetpea, the producer of Grown & Sexy Productions, and DJ sets by Lady Parts, the trio of Emily Roberts Holden, Susannah Dodge, and Syril McNally. Come for the food and booze; stay for the hot jams and hip-shaking. Added bonus: street parking is FREE after 10 pm! -Alicia Neubauer/Jon Hunt

It’s a night of cool garage rock in the midway at the Turf Club. Headlining the night are Organs from NYC, whose jangly garage rock sound features just a hint of a sinister dark side. Also playing are Sonic J, a recent Milwaukee transplant that plays loud, noisy, fuzzy garage rock with awesome screaming vocals. Up first are new local group the Turnups, which have a poppy surf-rock sound with a little bit of snarl. -Danielle Morris

Visceral indeed, the artists in the SooVAC’s latest exhibit redefine “raw” in a way that not only pushes the limits of aesthetically pleasuring perversion but delivers an instinctual eye for detail. Haze XXL (aka Tom Hazelmyer) has been exploring the music and visual arts since the early ’80s, running the small, indie “aggro noise” record label, Amphetamine Reptile Records, and creating intricate LP linocuts. Math.i‘s twisted collage work “haunting and hilariously” narrate and expound on a movement Hazelmyer formalized over 25 years ago. Together, the artists create a showcase that captures “the physical manifest ion of music making” as the visual object. Performing live alongside the exhibit is multimedia experimental project, Seawhores, whose ’11 limited edition A side LP was released on AmRep Records and included 26 individual covers designed by Hazelmyer and Math.i. Tonight’s reception doubles as the launch of the “The Hunt is On” B side and offers a serendipitous reunion between band and artists. -Juleana Enright

Take the pretty, highly cerebral sounds of Chicago shoegazers, Airiel, mix in the hazy, rhythmic, progression rock of Milwaukee’s Brief Candles (feat. Jeff Zeigier [Kurt Vile], Adam Pierce [The Swirlies] and Neil Weir [Vampire Hands, Gospel Gossip], the junk psych, ’80s jangle, danceable craftwork of St. Paul’s Panther Ray and the ambient shoegaze of Minneapolis’ Chatham Rise and you have one dreamy night of audio pleasure. For the first time in over five years, the haunting melodies of Airiel return to Minneapolis. Tonight’s lineup is sure to induce a head-detached-from-body floaty feeling (yes, that is the technical term) and remind you that a weird-ass spring is just around the corner. -Juleana Enright

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Pancakes & Booze Art Party

@ The Loft at Skyway Theater
711 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

8 pm / 21+ / $5

Let’s face it — sometimes art isn’t enough. Sometimes art should be accompanied by all-you-can-eat chocolate chip short stacks and a nude woman named Jessica getting abstract art stenciled on her abdomen. Sometimes art also needs copious amounts of alcohol. You know? Not all the time, just sometimes, and usually when the Pancakes & Booze Art Party lands in Minneapolis. In its fourth year, this particular event features one of the largest emerging and underground artist exhibits this side, of, well, sanity. So if you’re feeling the urge (as we will be) to add some syrup, some graffiti and some temporary bad decisions to your typical weekend art tour head to The Loft at Barfly to take in the spectacle before this crazy train leaves for Seattle. Obviously. -Kate Smith

We’ve been getting down at Soviet Panda’s weekly Saturday night dance party TOO MUCH LOVE since it first debuted five years ago. After an impressive run, it bid adieu to the First Ave Mainroom recently before moving up to the Record Room. But don’t fret — they’ll be throwing one big Mainroom bash every last Saturday of the month. This month, Soviet Panda and guest DJ Jesse Jakob (Traut Musik, Particle People) will hold down the one-twos all night long in the Record Room upstairs. Enjoy 2-4-1s before midnight. -Staff

DJs Teace and Greenery are back this Saturday at Clubhouse Jäger for their monthly residency, Beatsploitation. The pair spin their potent mix of disco, electronica, club rap, heavy funk, dancehall, Miami bass and ’80s and ’90s pop — all on vinyl. Yup, these guys aren’t messing around. Adding to the vibe are retro cult and exploitation films screenings, Jäger’s turn-of-the-century furnishings and the always-friendly barstaff. -Staff

It’s hard to believe this, but sometimes certain events just sneak up on you with little fanfare, and you realize that you have to drop everything and go to it. Trust us when we say that this is one of those events. Iconic local music photographer Daniel Corrigan will be having a quiet opening for a retrospective of his abstract photography work at Maeve’s Cafe in Northeast on Sunday night. This is a rare chance to see lesser-known work by one of our premiere photographers (like an undiscovered B-Side to your favorite song). Best of all, it is the perfect event to go to prior to the Mad Men party a few blocks away at Jax’s Cafe! -Todd O’Dowd

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Mad Men Season Six Premiere Party

@ Jax Café
1928 University Ave NE
Minneapolis

6-10 pm / 21+ / $49 (sold out)

What can we say about one of the most impressive parties of the year? We’re grasping for modifiers that properly express our deep and abiding delight with the impeccably produced Mad Men premiere parties as hosted by that dapperest of local DJ’s and passionate mid-century enthusiast Jake Rudh. Let’s see, lovely ladies dressed to the nines in classically glamorous ensembles, check. Handsome gentlemen “taking your grandpa’s style” (sorry) very, very, seriously, check. Dangerously strong old-time cocktails served amid a richly paneled banquet space straight out of a Rat Pack fantasy, check. It all ads up to something very close to the perfect Twin Cities evening. Before and after the multi-course dinner and two hour premiere viewing, Rudh will be spinning retro tunes and playing vintage commercials to further set the mood. There could not be a more appropriate venue than 80-year-old Jax Café; just stepping through the doors puts you in another time. To make the evening even more special, period specialists from mid-century design studio Spinario will be curating a photo room with a spacy, mod late ’60s vibe. It’s the perfect evening to indulge both your sartorial whims and embody the person you might have been if you were born in another era. The new season of Mad Men begins in late 1967, so there’s bound to be some wild fashion choices on display. If you didn’t manage to snag one of the limited tickets before the show sold out you still have a chance to win one through Vita.mn’s contest HERE. -Anthony Enright

Hosted by local villain, Tom Reed, this evening will be filled with debauchery, trickery and chaos. The Rockstar Storytellers are back at it and better than ever during the wickedly evil show featuring tricksters and storms of chaos Maggie Ryan Sandford, Amy Salloway, Allison Broeren, Allegra Lingo, Rob Callahan and Joseph Scrimshaw. Join in for this villainous show and don’t miss what is sure to be one rockin night! -Chelsea Streich

Today with all of the computers, sequencers, and midi trigger pads, it’s easy for a bunch of teenagers to sound like they are bigger than their parents’ garage. What can’t be recreated is the raw emotion of four friends thrashing around and playing music that they poured hours of sweat and tears into. The band Iceage started as teenage friends in Copenhagen in 2008 and has turned into a punk rock monster that just released its second album, You’re Nothing, garnering universal praise for its raw energy. While they harness the energy and middle-finger-to-the-sky attitude of unbridled youth, their songwriting abilities are anything but youthful. Iceage’s attention to detail and ability to craft emotive yet unrelenting rock songs is a gift you are hard pressed to find even more seasoned artists. Yet they are able to translate that energy into a live show that will leave the hair on your neck standing and you wondering if you just blacked out for an hour. –Peter Black

Steve Davis is one of the best Jazz trombonists going — yes, there are still jazz trombonists going, and this should make you damn happy. He plays a super-trad, super-swinging style o’ jazz, so those of you folks who still prefer hard-bop and acoustic jazz forms to free jazz and the later electric forms will be super happy that this stuff has survived into this century with this much energy and honesty. His latest, Gettin’ It Done, sounds like it could have been recorded in 1959 or 1963 just as easily as 2012 — it reminds a lot of Miles or ‘Trane from that same era, with the kind of swinging bass and sweet improvisation around magnificent melodies that used to characterize jazz from that era. Only in a few places does he vary from the program — “The Beacon” has aspects of funk about it, and sounds like the soundtrack to an awesome Karate movie from the mid ’70s, while “Wishes” almost sounds like Vince Guaraldi. If you like jazz — and if you don’t, what the hell is wrong with you? — this sounds like a terrific night of the old-school stuff. -Jon Hunt

Counter to reports on the impending extinction of redheads, ginger brother/sister duo White Mystery is defying scientific trends across the country. Amidst claims that only 1-2% of the population is endowed with hair of the auburn variety, these siblings are representing their minority with musical flair and straightforward rock ‘n’ roll music. The singer and sister of the duo, Alex White, was dubbed one of the top female guitarists to look out for by Guitar World, and brother Francis Scott Key White does not sound too shabby on drums and vocals. Minneapolis-based Fuck Nights, formed on the day of the I-35W bridge collapse, will be bringing the noise and the punk to this redheaded hoedown, and local post-punk rockers Goonda will ensure the evening ends in debauchery. So whether you like rock music or you are a part of the 1 to 2% and want to celebrate your ginger side, come out to Amsterdam Sunday night to hear some good tunes and meet other gingers in your area. -Lizzy Shramko

Local androgynous queer artist Vukalana is taking over the KCK every Sunday this month for what is sure to be an eclectic, eccentric showcase. Vukalana, a “performative musical concept” by Jesse Siegel Homerr, was surely weaned on some of Bjork’s weirder stuff, chock-full of xylophone, synths and manipulated falsetto vocals. It’s gorgeously weird to say the least. Rounding out this weekend’s lineup are fellow lo-fi electronic experimentalists Snoggybox, Forest Traps and Geoffrey Fishbein. -Jahna Peloquin